What is the proposed end or theoretical end to Evolution?

Question

If there is no end, what is the theorized next step or future steps? Is man the pinnacle?

Answer 1

Eventually we will become what people refer to as god.
At that time we will create a universe, planet and insignificant creatures to worship us.

Oh and I almost forgot, perform hideous evil acts on the insignificant creatures that way they will know who's boss.

Answer 2

Man isn't the pinnacle. Evolution keeps going until life can't exist any more. Like if there is a nuclear holocaust or the earth gets swallowed up by the sun, something like that. Although...in the case of a nuclear holocaust, cockroaches would still be around so it would more likely take a big step backwards than end.

Answer 3

Evolution is not teleological, i. e. evolution does not follow a predescribed path. Following the logic of evolution into the future would be possible only if you knew how future conditions for life will be. For example, climate changes will increase the selection pressure on all species, which will wipe out some species and advance others. Probably, man-made changes will also have impacts on future conditions. For example, if mankind seriously starts into space, humans (and other species they take with them) will change and adapt to the conditions in space (like zero gravity or different gravity on other planets); but these changes will take many, many generations.
Furthermore, with genetic engineering, new factors might mix into the game of evolution. But the basic evolutional forces will always remain: the species and the individuals better equipped for survival will have better chances for survival and therefore better chances to promote their genes.
The idea that present man is the pinnacle of evolution is sheer vanity.

Answer 4

The theory of evolution would dictate that the next step will be better humans more suited to handle life on this planet. Will they be smarter? Maybe they will have stronger lungs to combat the effects of air pollution. The idea is that the fittest humans will have the best chance of attracting a mate and the highest likelihood of producing offspring with the same genetic qualities that made them fitter in the first place. There will be no end to evolution of man (or any other creature for that matter) until there are no more men (or creatures) left to pass on genetic material.

Answer 5

Man is not the pinnacle. If you wish to understand the next steps, pay attention to the environment and the species in it. Find species that are in duress or exposed to new environmental factors (introduced species, changing climate, etc). Then you'll know how those species will change over time.

Answer 6

Your assumption that evolution has a goal is incorrect. Evolution occurs only in response to evolutionary pressure. Sharks and crocodiles have barely changed for millions of years because there has been no advantage to be gained. On the other hand, critters that have fallen into caves have evolved very rapidly into obligate trilobites, very different from their surface-dwelling relatives because all of the factors favoring evolution were present, isolation from the main gene pool together with a very different environment and food supply all combined to place a lot of evolutionary pressure on these critters.

Answer 7

There is no theorized next step. Random genetic changes are selected by survival in an unpredictably changing environment. No way to know when the next asteroid or supervolcano or nearby supernova will alter earth's environment enough to kill off the human race. Not if, when.

Answer 8

No. There is no end to evolution - as long as the envirnoment or something else changes, there's no reason for evolution to stop. Evolution has no goal in mind - not every creature will turn into man, or anything like man. Every creature is uniquely suited to their envirnment, and few would be suited by losing their fur and claws and sharp teeth.

Answer 9

No, evolution just keeps going and going, as long as there is life to evolve.

It is also impossible to predict the future for evolution, but the hammerhead's hammer off the coast of Australia is shrinking and humans in china are developing a slight immunity to AIDS.

If you watch "The Future Is Wild", that will give one possibility of the future.

Answer 10

Maybe the last step in the evolution of man is, our brains will evolve, but I really can't see it though. I think man will blow the planet up before that happens.